Gear Review - Fishpond Stormshadow Large Rolling Duffel

Let's talk about luggage.  It's something that most people have in their closet, but have you ever given much thought to what makes one piece of luggage better than another?  Well, if you have done much traveling, it's pretty obvious which bag you will come back and grab first.  The others will go out in your next yard sale.  Luggage is not cheap, but well worth the investment.  I just traveled with the new Fishpond's Stormshadow large duffel to Christmas Island.  Here is my personal review.  You have to have luggage to fit all of the Gear for Christmas Island

When you own a fly shop, having access to the newest gear can be a problem or a solution.  Depends on which way you look at it.  The latest, greatest of gear is always coming through the front door, showcased by the reps.  

I am going to be honest, when I travel, it's not light, and most of the time I am trying to keep my luggage under weight so we do not have to pay the "Heavy" overweight fee.  I like to have my things with me, and a girl needs options.

Huxley wanted to go, but had to stay home.

Last year, I had another large roller that I took to Christmas Island.  It was big, but it was heavy, and my main disappointment with it is that it lacked handles in the key spots.  Without the extra handles, it made it so hard to lift and carry, or for Travis to lift and carry.  Since he always takes my luggage for me, such a gentleman.

When Fishpond launched their new luggage collection,  I knew that I had to get one.  It's shockingly lighweight.

Here are my reasons that I believe for purchasing the new Fishpond Stormshadow Large Rolling Duffel.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Water-resistant outer fabric so your packed gear stays dry, even if left out in the elements
• Separate side and compartment for wet gear, keeping all the gear on the dry side, dry
• Stands upright. Some duffels fall forward and will not stand on their own
• Lots of carry handles
• Outer straps are attached in a way that they will not fall off or come loose
• Smooth wheels
• Perfect spot for rods with internal straps to keep them secure

After my first trip with this luggage, I don't have anything negative to say. Fishpond's design and durability have been proven for a long time, and they have again knocked this one out of the park.  They also have the Stormshadow Carry-on.   We never carry on our luggage;  we always check it.  I don't have a review for that one, but I'm sure it's just as good since it's the mini version.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Thank you for reading

Lyndsey (Beginner Angler, Expert Fish Spooker)

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Fishpond Grand Teton Rolling Luggage

Fishpond Teton Rolling Carry-On

Take a look at the Carry-on version of the Teton line of travel bags. For starters it comes with a pair of Lariat Gear Straps and strong attachment points on both sides of bag. The Lariat Gear straps are useful for securing a fly rod tube or anything you need to strap to outside of bag. Features include clamshell zippered opening for ease of access, compression molded bottom laminated with ballistic fabric and ventilated mesh interior pockets. It's 45 Liter in size to roll all your needs on your next weekend fishing excursion. 

Let's go over the features of the Grand Teton

Best of Show - IFTD 2017

It's unfair to call this luggage...This is an anglers travel system! Fishpond Grand Teton Rolling Luggage

The clamshell design smartly puts your rods, waders, wading boots and a net stowed deep and ventilated while the upper portion separates your clothes. at 35" it'll have no problem securing your fly rods in their supplied tubes or in a Fishpond 32" Jackalope Rod Tube.

Features -

• 35” tall Rolling bag fits 6 standard length rod tubes in the protected compression molded base with rod tube cradles.
• Also compatible with the fishpond 32” Jackalope Rod Tube Case
• Clamshell zippered opening
• 420D Cyclepond Fishpond Fabric with ballistic fabric accents on high abrasion areas
• Compression molded bottom laminated with ballistic fabric
• Neoprene edges on interior zipper pockets for stretch and durability on the internal zippers
• PU and DWR coated base compartment keeps damp waders and dirty boots from getting your other belongs wet or dirty.
• Ventilated mesh on main body interior pocket
• Main body interior pocket can be accessed from the interior clamshell opening for easy packing, or from the exterior for easier access while travelling.
• Exterior organization pocket
• Four exterior compression straps
• Rope haul handle on top and front panel
• Retractable handle
• 125L (7,627 cu. in.)
• 35" x 16" x 11"
• 11.35lbs

Note: Shipping of this item is restricted to the Continental United States.

Hey International friends: It's pretty much next to impossible to ship an item of this size to you. Even if it fits within a size restriction the cost would be enough to make you say "forget it." Here's an idea for you...Plan a trip to the U.S. While you're here buy it, pack it up with gear and fly it home with you. Call ahead and we'll make sure to have one waiting for you. Stop in the Shop and meet the good people who get you the gear you want. We can also ship it to your hotel.

Find Bags and Luggage at...

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Simms GTS Gear Duffels

The New Simms GTS Gear Duffels come in 50 Liter and 80 Liter sizes. These rugged duffels include removable backpack straps for easy airport or trail transportation.

Additional features include attachment points for Simms Tightline Rod Straps and a pass thru sleeve for easy nesting to rolling luggage handle.

Tightlines Gear Strap - Sold Separately 

Shop GTS Gear

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Cuba - A Tour of Culture and Hosted Fishing

This just in from our good friend Jon Covich. This will be his 15th trip to Cuba. Rest assured he's got it figured out in all things related to fishing, culture, dining, getting there, getting around, and getting home.

Enjoy!

You have seen my recent posts, and know how jazzed I am about this new trip we have been offering to Cuba. To reiterate, this itinerary includes the best of both worlds. We spend three nights in Havana, and most every hour of the day is accounted for in making sure that we experience all that the city has to offer. After, we transfer south to the small beachside town of Playa Larga. We fish one day in a freshwater river, and three days on the saltwater flats. During this time, we interact with Cuban hosts at our quaint lodgings, visit sights in and around town after fishing, and eat at great family-owned restaurants.

In order to make this trip work, we have to have at least 6 customers signed up. I will accompany the group every step of the way while in Cuba, and of course beforehand in taking care of all necessary details. This will be my 15th trip to Cuba, so I feel I can be of value in coordinating daily with our Cuban hosts, and in handling any challenges that arise.

Details:

November 4-11, 2018

Price: $4950 per person, based on double occupancy (this means 2 guests per room, and 2 anglers per skiff)

Included: 7 nights accommodation in Cuba, all meals except on the first half day, guides and transportation,  entrance fees for activities, four days fishing.

Not Included: Flights to and from Cuba, Cuban Tourist Card (visa), Gratuities, food and drinks over each meal allowance, miscellaneous guest purchases

Inquire for more information about Cuba

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Fly Water Travel Prime Availability

Clackamas River, Oregon

Clackamas River Lodge
Available dates: March 18 – 22: 3 rods - 2018

Sandy River, Alaska

Hoodoo Sandy River Lodge
Available dates: October 6 – 13: 2 spots - 2018

Prince of Wales Island, Alaska

 Renton River Adventures
Available dates:  May 6-12 - 2018

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Fishing Bear Lodge | Alaska

Bucket List worthy fly fishing travel destinations.

In the heart of the Wood-Tikchik State Park and backed by the Wind River range.

Destination Location:
Fishing Bear Lodge is located in southwest Alaska, due west of Dillingham and backed against the surreal spires of the Wind River range.

Bucket list worthy.

In the heart of southwest Alaska's 1.6 million acre Wood-Tikchik State Park, Fishing Bear Lodge is at the mouth of Alaska's Peace River. At it's core The lodge is a modest and endaring family run Alaskan Lodge that employs jet boats to fly fish a host of seldom seen small streams for hearty rainbows, abundant Arctic char and large surface oriented grayling.

Fish On!

Rainbow Trout
Wild native rainbow trout are fished on four spectacular Alaska rivers and several streams. They average in size ranging from 18 to 24 inches.

Arctic Char
During the month of July, Arctic char fishing is exceptional and are voraciously feeding on the salmon fry and smolt.

Arctic Grayling
Grayling are generally abundant throughout the season. A light weight 1-3 wt. rod makes a day of grayling fishing one of the most gratifying and fun days of fly fishing in Alaska you will ever experience with a light fly rod.

Northern Pike
When one talks about Northern Pike on the fly, the word explosive comes to mind especially when taking a fly and most guests ask to fish for pike again after trying it the first time.

Sockeye Salmon
During July, the fly fishing for fresh Sockeye in Alaska is excellent and fish are 6 to 12 pounds.

"When it comes combining value, angling variety and a warm family-run wilderness experience, Fishing Bear Lodge is hands down the best in Alaska." - Ken Morrish

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Fly Water Travel Prime Availability - 7.28.17

Patagonian Basecamp, Chile 

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Excited to announce a new trout lodge offering in Chilean Patagonia

Deep within the seldom visited Aysen Provence of Chilean Patagonia, there is a special lodge perfectly suited to adventuresome anglers that take pride and pleasure in fishing off the beaten path.

2017/2018 Availability (as of 7.26.17):
7 night/6 day dates
Dec 15-22 (8 rods)
Jan 5-12 (4 rods)
Jan 19-26 (1 rod)
Jan 26-Feb 2 (1 rod)
Feb 2-9 (3 rods)
Feb 9-16 (2 rods)
Feb 23-Mar 2 (3 rods)
Mar 2-9 (3 rods)
Mar 9-16 (7 rods)
Mar 30-April 6 (10 rods)

10 night/9 day dates
Jan 2-12 (4 rods)
Feb 27-Mar 9 (2 rods)

BC Steelhead - Availability

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August - November dates!

There are still some very good openings available for the coming 2017 summer and fall steelhead season. Here are some of the highlights.

BC West, Dean RiverAugust 12-19,  2 spots

Frontier Farwest, BulkleyDates: Nov 1-5, 4-6 spots (single complete party)

Suskeena Lodge, Sustut
Dates: Aug 25-Sept 1, 1 spotSept 2-9, 1 spotOct 14-21, 1 spot 

Bear Claw Lodge, KispioxDates: Aug 31-Sept 7, 2 spotsNov 2-9, 4 spots

Skeena Spey, TerraceDates: Aug 14-28, 6 spots
Oct 9-22, 4 spots
Oct 22-31. 8 spots

Nass River Steelhead Co.Dates: Sept 21-28, 4 rods
Oct 13-20, 4 rods

Skeena River Lodge, TerraceDates: Aug 26-Sept 2, 1 spot

Skeena MeadowsDates: Aug 19-26, 2 tent
Sept 3-8, 1 tent
Sept 12-17, 1 tent
Sept 16-20, 2 tent
Oct 16-21, 2 tents

Trout Creek River House, Bulkley
Dates: Aug 25- Sept 1, 2 spots
Oct 27-Nov 2, 2 spots
Nov 2-9, 2 spots

Skeena Wilderness ChartersDates: Aug 13-19, 4 spots
Aug 27-Sept 2,  6 spots
Sept 17-23, 4 spots
Sept 24-30, 6 spots
Oct. 8-14, 6 spots
Oct 15-21, 6 spots
Oct 22-28, 6 spots
Oct 29-Nov 4, 8 spots

Coyhaique River Lodge, Chile

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Coyhaique River Lodge – Chilean Patagonia

Brothers Gaston and Claudio Urrejola may be the most talented, multi-faceted lodge owners we have ever met. Between them they can do virtually anything including building a spectacular lodge themselves and then turning that into one of the best run fly fishing and multi-sport lodges in South America. 

2017/2018 Availability (as of 7.18.17):
Dec 16-23 (10 rods)
Dec 30-Jan 6 (8 rods)
Feb 3-10 (2 rods)
Feb 10-17 (2 rods)
Feb 17-24 (2 rods)
Feb 24-Mar 3 (2 rods)
Mar 3-10 (4 rods)
Mar 10-17 (6 rods)
Mar 17-24 (8 rods)

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Umpqua Basecamp, Oregon (New Destination)

New location added to our travel section. Umpqua Basecamp

Umpqua River, Oregon (near Roseburg)

The river truly has a soul. A soul that is fueled by the legends that have waded her jade water, and cast a fly to her lovely steelhead. Many of these legends are gone now, though a few still test themselves against one of the most challenging fisheries in existence.

Location:
The Umpqua Basecamp is located approximately 30 miles east of Roseburg, OR

Season:
Summer and Winter Steelhead

Read more information

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The Gorge Fly Shop Team

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Fly Water Travel Prime Availability - 6.22.17

Royal Wolf Lodge | Alaska
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Within the heart of Katmai National Park’s finest trout waters

One of  Alaska's finest fly-out fly fishing operations. In terms of location Royal Wolf Lodge just plain hard to beat. With short fly times to some of the regions premiere watersheds including Battle, Big Ku, Funnel, Moraine and the Kvichak are guaranteed to provide quality home water in the event of poor flying conditions. 

Available Dates:
August 18 – 25, 2017 (2 spaces)

World's End Lodge | Irigoyen River, Argentina
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Irgoyen River - Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina

A totally unique experience that offers huge sea trout on a small, intimate, tree-lined river system that has gained legendary status in Tierra Del Fuego over the last decade.


2017/2018 Available Dates (as of 6/20/17):
Dec 15-22 (4 rods)
Dec 22-29 (4 rods)
Dec 29-Jan 5 (4 rods)
Jan 12-19 (1 rod)
Feb 2-9 (2 rods)
Feb 16-23 (2 rods)
Feb 23-Mar 2 (2 rods)
Mar 2-9 (4 rods)
Mar 9-16 (4 rods)
Mar 16-23 (4 rods)

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The Gorge Fly Shop Team

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Fly Water Travel Prime Availability - 6.15.17

Middle Fork of the Salmon River - Last Call for 2017!
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"With an above average snow pack the Middle Fork should be fishing well into October this year!"

The most prolific and unspoiled westslope cutthroat trout fishery in the world, the Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River offers what many consider the finest multi-day wilderness float trip in America.

Available Launch Dates:
July 17: 1 rafting seat available
July 25: 1 rafting seat
August 10: 2 rafting seats
September 14: 1 fishing seat
October 1: 6 – 12 fishing seats (Note: this trip is available for a one of a kind Cast & Blast trip!)

Prime Availability - BC Steelhead
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Prime BC Availability

There are still some very good openings available for the coming 2017 summer and fall steelhead season. Here are some of the highlights.

Dates available July into November.

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The Gorge Fly Shop Team

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Announcement: Fly Water Travel

Rick - "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." Casablanca

Gorge Fly Shop Joins Up with Fly Water Travel

Offering the best fly fishing locations on the planet, this exciting relationship will open up many new opportunities for adventure travel. Fly Water Travel hosts some amazing trips in your backyard and exotic locations all around the world. 

Our newsletters will be featuring destinations as well as prime trip availability. A new travel page on our website will provide more detailed trip information and detailed equipment list. 

Fly Water Travel is a team of dedicated fly fishers and experienced travel experts exclusively committed to world wide fly fishing travel. The FWT team is nothing short of exceptional in all travel involvement from booking your trip to seeing through every detail ensuring the best angling experience possible.

---

There's something about it when you first realize your going to "travel" and "fly fish". Do you still get excited when fishing new waters, even if it's only a few hours away? We do! That's part of the magic and the process we all go through in our own way. Guided or un-guided the feeling is still the same. 

Here at the Gorge Fly Shop we always strive to do better. We're human, it's not always perfect but it comes from the right place. Sometimes it's a slow process and other times we just get it. That's why this announcement is so special to us because we strive to provide a certain level of customer service. However, in order for us to provide great customer service we have to have the right tools and knowledge at our fingertips and that is exactly why March, 2017 signifies the start of a beautiful friendship, although I think Rick in Casablanca said it best.

Today we are introducing our top favorites, bucket list worthy stuff. Some of you have checked a few of these off your list (be sure to comment below), most of you will be deciding where to travel next and maybe some of us might be thinking where we would like our ashes spread (just saying)...

Our newsletters will be featuring destinations as well as prime trip availability. A new travel page on our website will provide more detailed trip information and detailed equipment list. Check back throughout the year as we will continue to add more information and destinations. 

No dinner jacket required

Bucket list worthy:

It’s time to get your notepad out and turn on some Joe Bonamassa because this here is some of our top fly fishing destinations across the globe. Better yet, forget the pen and paper and grab a drink and bookmark this page.

Where fishing dreams are made from...

The List:

SALTWATER

• Christmas Island Outfitters
• Andros South, Bahamas
• Zapata, Cuba
• Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
• Long Key Resort, Belize
• Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles
• Tarpon Cay Lodge, Mexico
• Alphonse Island, Seychelles
• The Rising Tide, Belize
• Los Roques, Venezuela
• Isla Del Sabalo, Mexico

FRESHWATER:

• Fishing Bear Lodge, Alaska
• Alaska West, Alaska
• Skeena River Lodge, British Columbia
• Jurassic Lake Lodge, Argentina
• Speywater Lodge, Oregon
• Tsimane, Bolivia - Pluma Lodge - Agua Negra Camp
• Coyhaique River Lodge, Chile
• Despedida Lodge, Argentina
• Las Pampas Lodge, Argentina
• Kooi Noom, Argentina
• El Rancho Pinoso, ColoradoLas Buitreras, Argentina

Popular upcoming Oregon Trips:

Courtesy of Fly Water Travel

Speywater Lodge – Grande Ronde River, Oregon

Located on the Grande Ronde River, near Troy, Oregon, this low-key, high-value operation is where some of the Northwest’s finest steelheaders and spey casters congregate for a final month of guiding and instruction. Read the article and see 2017 availability. [Read More]

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